shaggy soldier
ExplorePlants
shaggy soldier
Galinsoga quadriradiata
The shaggy soldier is a little plant with fuzzy leaves and tiny flowers. It often grows in gardens and along roadsides, making it a familiar sight in many places.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The shaggy soldier has slender, often hairy stems and small, daisy-like flowers. Each flower typically displays five tiny white 'petals' (ray florets) surrounding a bright yellow center of disc florets, making it distinct from similar roadside weeds.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusGalinsoga
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Did you know 'quadriradiata' in its name means four rays, but it usually has five tiny white 'petals'? Wow!
Even though it's a common weed, many cultures consider its young leaves a tasty and nutritious wild green!
One shaggy soldier plant can produce up to 7,500 seeds, ready to sprout at a moment's notice!
This tiny plant is a champion traveler, originally from Mexico, now found almost everywhere on Earth!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Superpower
Shaggy soldier can produce thousands of tiny seeds per plant, helping it spread quickly and colonize new disturbed areas.
Ability
Fast Finisher
This plant can complete its entire life cycle from seed to flower in just a few weeks, allowing it to quickly dominate open ground.
Ability
Hairy Helper
Its stems and leaves are covered in fine hairs, which can deter some herbivores and help reduce water loss.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-80 cm
- Spread
- 15-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
gathers nectar and pollen from its small flowers
eaten by
humans
Homo sapiens
its young leaves are consumed as a nutritious wild edible
pollinates
marmalade hoverfly
Syrphus ribesii
visits flowers for nectar and pollen collection
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While this plant is not harmful, it's always best to look and not touch without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is shaggy soldier?
20-80 cm
How wide does shaggy soldier spread?
15-40 cm
How big are the flowers on shaggy soldier?
0.5-1 cm
When does shaggy soldier bloom?
Summer to fall
Is shaggy soldier edible?
Yes
Is shaggy soldier toxic?
None
What is shaggy soldier's lifecycle?
Annual
How is shaggy soldier pollinated?
Insect
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